
Camber Central RNLI Lifeguards return to beaches this Easter
Lifeguards from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will be present on Camber Central beach between 10am – 6pm from Good Friday.
The charity’s lifeguards are prepared and ready to go for the Easter holidays having spent the past couple of weeks honing their skills ahead of the new season.
Lifeguards on Camber Central will provide patrols for Rother District Council to cover weekends and bank holidays from March 29 to May 19. Then operate 7 days a week from May 25 to September 29.
New figures show that last year across Rother and Hastings lifeguards responded to 234 incidents, aided 250 people, and saved five lives.
For the dedicated RNLI lifeguards, their season started back in January with interviews and try outs.
They are now beginning their rigorous training to be at peak performance to carry out their duties on our beaches this season.
All lifeguards must undergo a strict fitness test including a 200m sprint on sand in under 40 seconds and a 400m swim in 7 minutes and 30 seconds. This ensures that they can respond as quickly as possible to a person in trouble in the water.
Hugh Richardson, lifeguard supervisor, said: ‘An RNLI lifeguard’s job is mostly preventative. The aim is for them to educate beachgoers on the importance of beach safety and help them identify potential dangers to reduce the risk of someone becoming in distress off the beaches.
‘We look forward to welcoming visitors to Camber this year and ensuring they have and enjoyable day at the beach.’
Cllr Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council said: “We are delighted to welcome RNLI lifeguards back to Camber Central beach, and are extremely grateful for their efforts.
“The lifeguards provide a fantastic service, working alongside our own beach patrol and coastal officers, to give advice and safety messages throughout the season to help people have an enjoyable visit.
“Camber is a beautiful beach and can attract thousands of visitors on a sunny day. The council will continue to work with the RNLI, other partner agencies, and the local community to help coastal operations run smoothly during the busy summer months.”
This year the RNLI has partnered with Paw Patrol to introduce some water safety themed windbreaks, designed to engage pre-school children with the visuals of the Paw Patrol rescue dog team while showcasing the RNLI key safety to help young people learn about water safety.
The RNLI introduced lifeguards to their Search and Rescue service in 2001. Since the service was introduced, they have responded to 303,030 incidents and saved 2,000 lives up to the end of 2023. The number of lifeguarded beaches the RNLI patrol will increase in a phased approach into the summer months.
In order to keep safe when visiting the coast this April and beyond, the RNLI is urging people to follow their beach safety advice:
§ Visit a lifeguarded beach and only swim between the red and yellow flags.
§ Check the weather forecast and tide times and read any local hazard signage to understand local risks.
§ Be aware of cold-water shock, especially during the Easter period and the lead up to summer. Although the outside temperature may be warming up, it takes a while for the sea temperature to follow. Make sure you acclimatise to the temperature slowly.
§ When taking part in activities like paddle boarding or kayaking the RNLI recommends wearing a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carrying a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch that is kept on your person.
§ Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and you expect to return.
§ If you are going open-water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright-coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including your phone for emergencies.
§ If you get into trouble in the water or fall in unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight the instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.
§ In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
To find your nearest RNLI lifeguarded beach please visit: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 144,000 lives.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.